L&Y take on Beccles IIs in their first 2ndXV fixture of the season at home. This Merit Table fixture will be a strange one with both clubs feeling the after effects of the pandemic lay off and having various issues with availability and selection. Both management groups have been in contact and they have each tried to ensure this is as near a true 2nd XV fixture as possible by selecting those players who have yet to play a game this season and those who are a truer reflection of 2ndXv ability. It has even been difficult to assess that ability since at least 50% of the side chosen are new players to the club. Either way the intention has been to ensure a fair and competitive match, which is always the case between these close rivals and neighbours. It will be a good one to watch.
L&Y have Kyle Hallam who is making a comeback to the game after years building his Tree Surgery business. New member and former Army man Alfie Tiffen continues his apprenticeship at loosehead. Another returning face, Chris Scott, a former L&Y Colt from several years back, joins todays captain, Robbie Gardiner, in the second row. Nat Roberts makes a first start on the blindside flank and is joined in the back row by Harry Norman and Richie Hyde, two experienced players who have less availability this season. On the bench the forwards are covered by Josh's Williamson and Beamish, and young back-row prospect Alfie Webber.
In the backs, we see a first start for Oscar Anderson at scrum half and another for Reese Monk at stand-off. Both have shown their class at training but have yet to lace up their boots for a match. Ray Hauraki continues to learn a new position at 12 alongside experienced Kelvin Roberts, while the starting back three is made up of old stager Glenn Batty, pacy fireman Archie Buck and the exciting young Mark Ryzcanowski at fullback. Andy Harding , Gareth Bowker and Tom Lawler cover the backline slots from the bench.